Any Who… Go to Relay for Life

Most of us have been touched by cancer in some way; some closer than others, some have been affected on a very personal level. In March, I lost a dear friend to an aggressive form of lung cancer. She was a bright shining light in this world, a world not always as kind and loving as we would like for it to be. Janey’s light will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Attending and getting involved in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life is a wonderful way to do our part to eradicate this terrible disease from our planet.
There are so many questions regarding cancer. What causes it? Can I prevent cancer? How can I change my lifestyle to decrease my risk of getting cancer? Is cancer just in my family history or is it able to be passed on through my genes? What tests do I need to detect cancer as soon as possible? Should I be tested to see if it is in my genes?
Relay, which symbolizes 24 hours in the day of a cancer patient, is a team effort to raise money as well as awareness of these issues by giving information which enables people to do what they can to decrease the incidence of cancer in our world. If you have never been to a Relay event in the Santa Clarita Valley I suggest you come out and visit this year. You will not regret it! It will be held in Central Park from Saturday, May 19 at 9 a.m. through Sunday, May 20 at 9 a.m.
It is a wonderful way to spend time as a family while helping to raise money for the American Cancer Society. While the seriousness of the event is not to be minimized, the atmosphere during the day is one of hope and celebration. The first lap celebrates survivors and the hope they offer others battling cancer. Teams try to raise money at their sites by doing all kinds of fun activities. Booths offer educational information to people in attendance, so they can better “fight back” against this hideous disease.
The tone changes at evening time to one of remembrance for those that have lost their battle. The track is lined with luminaria bags that shine a light in “memory, honor or gratitude” to our loved ones. It is a moving and emotional phase of Relay that allows us to contemplate the world we live in and the effect cancer has on it. All night long these bags are a beacon in our world and a testament to the reason why we Relay.
Then the sun rises and we give thanks for another day! A wonderful event comes to a close and the battle to end cancer takes on another stage in the form of screening, genetic testing, lifestyle changes and more fund raising.
For an appointment to discuss risk factors, genetic testing or screening tests, call Pat News Health Care at 661-799-7000.